The state on Monday informed the Bombay high court that they had constituted special courts to hear cases of offence against children and steps had been taken toward finalising a victim compensation scheme.

The HC was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an NGO
seeking implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and setting up of special courts to hear cases under the Act.

The division bench of judges PV Hardas and AR Joshi directed the state to file an affidavit stating the steps it had taken and intends to take to implement the provisions of the Act. “Tell us on affidavit what steps the government took to enforce the provisions of the Act so far,” the judges said. Public prosecutor Revati Dere then informed the court about steps taken in this regard.

The NGO, Sakhee, had approached HC seeking a CBI or CID probe into the alleged sexual assault of a minor by education baron Shivajirao Jondhale. On August 18, 2012, Jondhale’s son Sagar lodged a case with the Pune police alleging that his father and eight others had sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy holding him captive for years.

Sakhee alleged the accused were released on anticipatory bail in connivance with the police.